Asthma and Vitamin D Deficiency: Occurrence, Immune Mechanisms, and New Perspectives

Abstract

Asthma, as a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways, has a considerable prevalence among children. Vitamin D might play a role in asthma pathogenesis by affecting the development of the lung, regulating the immune responses, and remodeling of airway smooth muscle (ASM). Study results on the association between the serum level of vitamin D and asthma severity have suggested a converse relationship between lower vitamin D levels and more severe clinical courses. However, they are not consistent in these findings and have shown insignificant correlations, as well. The possible effects of vitamin D on asthma have led researchers to consider this vitamin a potential prophylactic and therapeutic tool for managing children with variant degrees of asthma. Adding vitamin D to the routine corticosteroid therapy of asthmatic children is another field of interest that has shown promising results. In this narrative review study, we aim to elaborate on the existing knowledge on the role of vitamin D in asthma pathogenesis and prognosis, explain the controversies that exist on the effectiveness of treating patients with vitamin D supplements, and make a general conclusion about how vitamin D actually is linked to asthma in children.

Assessing the genetic relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and chronic respiratory diseases: A Mendelian randomization study

“…[49]. Their data also con rmed elevated IL-6 expression in pulmonary broblast cells, suggesting that IL-6 might play a potential autocrine or paracrine role in the gastric uid-induced in ammation of the pulmonary micro-environment [50]. In the pathogenesis of asthma, vitamin D is thought to affect lung development, regulate immune responses, and remodel airway smooth muscle [50].…”

Progress in diagnosis and treatment of difficult-to-treat asthma in children

“…151 Several researchers have postulated a connection between the decline in vitamin D levels and the rise in asthma biomarkers (total IgE and eosinophil count). 150 The effects of vitamin D supplementation on improving DA in children are inconclusive, despite some indications that it can delay the development of asthma in children. 24 While some studies have shown encouraging results, such as a metaanalysis that found supplementing with vitamin D significantly reduced the rate of severe exacerbations in asthmatic patients.…”

“…For instance, vitamin D may affect lung growth by lowering the expression of the enzyme disintegrin metalloprotease-33, leading to a variety of asthmatic symptoms, including decreased lung function and a faster worsening of lung function as well as bronchial hyperresponsiveness. 150 This secondly, the vitamin D hormone modulates immune reactions through biological mechanisms and may have an impact on immune system development, contributing to the pathogenesis of asthma. 150 Ultimately, there are numerous methods by which vitamin D might lead to the remodeling of airway smooth muscle.…”

“… 150 This secondly, the vitamin D hormone modulates immune reactions through biological mechanisms and may have an impact on immune system development, contributing to the pathogenesis of asthma. 150 Ultimately, there are numerous methods by which vitamin D might lead to the remodeling of airway smooth muscle. 151 Several researchers have postulated a connection between the decline in vitamin D levels and the rise in asthma biomarkers (total IgE and eosinophil count).…”

Risk of asthma in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…For children aged 1–5 years old, the diagnosis of asthma requires more than one presentation of asthma-like symptoms and a response to an asthma treatment trial [ 11 ]. The pathophysiology of asthma is influenced by a variety of host factors, genetic susceptibility, and environmental factors [ 12 ].…”